Personal statement
My research aims to develop improved diagnostic tests for a range of clinically important conditions such as, bacterial infection, sepsis and cancer. In the group we work on high value microfabricated sensor systems, low cost devices for use in resource limited settings and we have an interest in implantable systems. In the past, I have been involved in the development of a rapid point of care test for MRSA, a spectroelectrochemical measurement for rapid DNA fingerprinting and micro and nano electrode sensors for biomedical sensing.
Current projects under my supervision include -
- Development of a rapid, comprehensive test for sepsis
- A diagnostic assay for drug resistant Gram-negative infections
- Realising the liquid biopsy for improved cancer diagnosis
- A novel antibiotic susceptibility test
- A lab-on-a-chip for multi drug resistant TB diagnosis in low/middle income countries
I am also involved as a co-I in a project concerned with capsule endoscopy.
My areas of particular interest include: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), microfabricated sensor systems and microelecrode sensor arrays for multi target diagnostic assays. In August 2017, along with my collaborators, I was awarded a Longitude Prize Discovery Award in recognition of a project I lead called "Microplate" which is a rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing technology we are currently developing.
I joined Strathclyde in 2016 as a Lecturer and Chancellor's Fellow in Health Technologies. I have a background in sensing and analytical chemistry having obtained a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cranfield University followed by periods of Post Doctoral research at Southampton and Edinburgh Universities.
I also have expertise of electrochemical sensing in harsh and extreme environments and aqueous & non aqueous electroplating techniques. I was involved in developing a microelectrode sensor for use in nuclear fuel reprocessing (as part of the EPSRC sponsored "REFINE" project) and was involved in comissioning an open access national facility for nuclear fuel reprocessing research at the University of Edinburgh. During these projects I developed strong links with the National Nuclear Laboratory and carried out experiments at NNL Central Lab - Sellafield.
My work is often highly interdisciplinary involving industrial partners (e.g. GSK, National Nuclear Laboratory and AstraZeneca) and projects rely on close collaboration with other academics, including: clinicians, microbiologists, electrical engineers and chemists.